Loop of three concentric trails, well-maintained by the park and DORBA. Tight, twisting singletrack, mostly under treecover, with average to long climbs and descents. Mostly dry hardpack with roots and some rocks. These trails are susceptible to rain and erosion, so if there's even a sprinkle, closure is likely. Calling the park in advance to check trail conditions is recommended.

User Reviews (65)

Cedar Hill State Park is a really fun trail. This trail is not very technical or difficult, but it is a lot of fun. The climbs are relatively short compared to the climbs at something like Big Cedar. And the downhill sections are relatively shorter as well. However, they have done a good job creating good flow through the hills. Not a whole lot of narrow trees or hair pin turns, but some.

There are 3 loops roughly 12 miles combined.

3 miles

8 miles

12 miles

The 3 miles trail has the best terrain of the entire trail. Sometimes we go out and lap the 3 mile trail a few times, and not even ride the longer ones. The entire trail is fun, and definitely worth riding.

Bike: 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper 29er

Customer Service

Ride the entire 12 miles if you have never been before to see what you like best. Lots of people just lap the 3 mile trail.

Similar Products Used: Big Cedar
Boulder Park

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Blaze Shack Cross Country Rider

[Jun 05, 2013]

Video of trail below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQSuSAZBvLk

Cedar Hill State Park is a really fun trail. This trail is not very technical or difficult, but it is a lot of fun. The climbs are relatively short compared to the climbs at something like Big Cedar. And the downhill sections are relatively shorter as well. However, they have done a good job creating good flow through the hills. Not a whole lot of narrow trees or hair pin turns, but some.

There are 3 loops roughly 12 miles combined.

3 miles

8 miles

12 miles

The 3 miles trail has the best terrain of the entire trail. Sometimes we go out and lap the 3 mile trail a few times, and not even ride the longer ones. The entire trail is fun, and definitely worth riding.

Bike: 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper 29er

Customer Service: Ride the entire 12 miles if you have never been before to see what you like best. Lots of people just lap the 3 mile trail.

Similar Products Used:
Big Cedar
Boulder Park

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Art Cross Country Rider [Aug 20, 2011]

I used to ride this trail 3-4 times per month up through 2004. For a couple reasons, we stopped riding at that time, and have just recently started again.

This trail is a lot of fun. Skill level required is, at most, intermediate. But, if you are a beginner, youll be fine if you just take it easy. I've heard it called a 'freeway' due to its rather smooth trail. There are some tricky roots, often spanning a short space between trees, and sometimes there are some off-camber roots at the apex of some of the switchbacks. But it is, for the most part, smooth and fast. But the thing that can make this trail challenging is riding it fast when it's dry and loose. And, in TX in the summer, that's nearly all the time!

I was surprised to find that in the interim while I've been away, there have been HUGE changes to the trail. All the straight, steep (though short) climbs have been rerouted into longer, less steep switchback climbs. In fact, ALL the "tough" sections have been eliminated. One entire section, a couple miles in length, is gone completely! However, i suspect this has been done to reduce erosion, which always was a big problem at CHSP. When the rains come to TX, they come hard! And so, I'm stating this more as an observation than anything else. In actual fact, they've added more new trail than they've taken away, since the new big loop is twelve miles, where it was ten before.

Our ( the wife and I) first time back was two days ago...we rode one twelve mile loop just before dark. Today, we went back and rode it again, all three loops this time. Just to give you an idea about what to expect...I'm an intermediate rider, 46 years old, 230 lbs geared up. I rode the twelve mile loop in an hour and thirteen, at about 90 percent effort. This was on a 105 degree day, though, so im sure i can beat that easily in cooler weather.

Anyway, this trail is well worth the trip unless you're totally into extreme adrenaline riding. We enjoyed it enough that we'll probably continue to go back once a week or so. While it wont, IMO, do much to improve your riding skills, its a great aerobic workout! Two big loops is good for 24 miles and at least two+ hours of riding for all but the fastest of riders.

Customer Service

I20 to beltline road exit. Go south on beltline about five miles, and CHSP is on the right. It costs $5 per person to enter, or you can get a year-long pass for $60 that will let anyone in you vehicle into the park for free! This pass is good at all the state parks in TX.

Similar Products Used: Northshore, Cleburne state Park

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

Art Cross Country Rider

[Aug 20, 2011]

I used to ride this trail 3-4 times per month up through 2004. For a couple reasons, we stopped riding at that time, and have just recently started again.

This trail is a lot of fun. Skill level required is, at most, intermediate. But, if you are a beginner, youll be fine if you just take it easy. I've heard it called a 'freeway' due to its rather smooth trail. There are some tricky roots, often spanning a short space between trees, and sometimes there are some off-camber roots at the apex of some of the switchbacks. But it is, for the most part, smooth and fast. But the thing that can make this trail challenging is riding it fast when it's dry and loose. And, in TX in the summer, that's nearly all the time!

I was surprised to find that in the interim while I've been away, there have been HUGE changes to the trail. All the straight, steep (though short) climbs have been rerouted into longer, less steep switchback climbs. In fact, ALL the "tough" sections have been eliminated. One entire section, a couple miles in length, is gone completely! However, i suspect this has been done to reduce erosion, which always was a big problem at CHSP. When the rains come to TX, they come hard! And so, I'm stating this more as an observation than anything else. In actual fact, they've added more new trail than they've taken away, since the new big loop is twelve miles, where it was ten before.

Our ( the wife and I) first time back was two days ago...we rode one twelve mile loop just before dark. Today, we went back and rode it again, all three loops this time. Just to give you an idea about what to expect...I'm an intermediate rider, 46 years old, 230 lbs geared up. I rode the twelve mile loop in an hour and thirteen, at about 90 percent effort. This was on a 105 degree day, though, so im sure i can beat that easily in cooler weather.

Anyway, this trail is well worth the trip unless you're totally into extreme adrenaline riding. We enjoyed it enough that we'll probably continue to go back once a week or so. While it wont, IMO, do much to improve your riding skills, its a great aerobic workout! Two big loops is good for 24 miles and at least two+ hours of riding for all but the fastest of riders.

Customer Service: I20 to beltline road exit. Go south on beltline about five miles, and CHSP is on the right. It costs $5 per person to enter, or you can get a year-long pass for $60 that will let anyone in you vehicle into the park for free! This pass is good at all the state parks in TX.

Similar Products Used:
Northshore, Cleburne state Park

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

TrailSteward Cross Country Rider [Aug 15, 2011]

This is one of the oldest (and best) trails in the DORBA system. It has recently been shadowed by it's big brother to the East "Big Cedar", but still merits kudos for being a very well maintained trail with lots of traditional cross country features and climbs. Probably classified as intermediate (maybe low intermediate if you take it slow); this trail offers good distance,top of the line maintainence, great trailhead facilities, and is legendary in the area for introducing riders to that "next step" in their skills development. Certainly a must rider for those new to the area and those lookiing for serious cardio workouts.

Customer Service

The trail has three interlocking loops. I would recommend you ride each seperately at least once to familiarize yourself with the layout. After that, riding the long 12 mile loop is the only way to go :) .

Similar Products Used: River Legacy (Beginner - Low Intermediate)
Big Cedar (Beginner - High Intermediate - Seperate Down Hill and Trials)
Boulder - low intermediate to intermediate (more fun per linear foot than almost any other trail in the area)

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

TrailSteward Cross Country Rider

[Aug 15, 2011]

This is one of the oldest (and best) trails in the DORBA system. It has recently been shadowed by it's big brother to the East "Big Cedar", but still merits kudos for being a very well maintained trail with lots of traditional cross country features and climbs. Probably classified as intermediate (maybe low intermediate if you take it slow); this trail offers good distance,top of the line maintainence, great trailhead facilities, and is legendary in the area for introducing riders to that "next step" in their skills development. Certainly a must rider for those new to the area and those lookiing for serious cardio workouts.

Customer Service: The trail has three interlocking loops. I would recommend you ride each seperately at least once to familiarize yourself with the layout. After that, riding the long 12 mile loop is the only way to go :) .

Similar Products Used:
River Legacy (Beginner - Low Intermediate)
Big Cedar (Beginner - High Intermediate - Seperate Down Hill and Trials)
Boulder - low intermediate to intermediate (more fun per linear foot than almost any other trail in the area)

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Todd Artigue Weekend Warrior [Dec 21, 2010]

Road the 12 mile trail today and loved it. The trail rides fast being so dry and watch the bobsled trail took a good spill but if I don't eat at least ounce I'm not pushing it hard enough. This is a great trail and well maintained. Thanks to the peeps working hard to keep the trail looking great.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Todd Artigue Weekend Warrior

[Dec 21, 2010]

Road the 12 mile trail today and loved it. The trail rides fast being so dry and watch the bobsled trail took a good spill but if I don't eat at least ounce I'm not pushing it hard enough. This is a great trail and well maintained. Thanks to the peeps working hard to keep the trail looking great.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

TXTony Cross Country Rider [Sep 23, 2010]

If you are used to riding trails like Johnson Branch or Dinosaur Valley this trail is not very challenging. However if your up for good aerobic workout it fits the bill. There are a lot of switchbacks, some swooping little downhill parts where you can build up some speed..the climbs are the same, up and switchbacks and then leveling out, there are no parts that found to technical such as roots or rocks but I did ride it on an all mountain bike which may have helped with the roots and such..overall I dig the trail and it is a pleasant option to have when you do not want a over all technical trail but somewhere to go and get your XC on..it fits that bill perfect

Customer Service

Do the entire trail..its a good workout and get an overall fell for the hard work that the Dorba folks put into this trail.

Similar Products Used: Dinosaur Valley is one my favorite rides around the DFW area.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

TXTony Cross Country Rider

[Sep 23, 2010]

If you are used to riding trails like Johnson Branch or Dinosaur Valley this trail is not very challenging. However if your up for good aerobic workout it fits the bill. There are a lot of switchbacks, some swooping little downhill parts where you can build up some speed..the climbs are the same, up and switchbacks and then leveling out, there are no parts that found to technical such as roots or rocks but I did ride it on an all mountain bike which may have helped with the roots and such..overall I dig the trail and it is a pleasant option to have when you do not want a over all technical trail but somewhere to go and get your XC on..it fits that bill perfect

Customer Service: Do the entire trail..its a good workout and get an overall fell for the hard work that the Dorba folks put into this trail.

Similar Products Used:
Dinosaur Valley is one my favorite rides around the DFW area.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

lbagby Cross Country Rider [Jan 23, 2009]

I ride this trail on average twice a week. I consider myself an upper intermediate rider and I really like Cedar Hill. If you're the type of rider that likes to ride vertically up large boulders, jump off the top, this will not be the ride for you. Cedar Hill is made up of three loops: 2.5 mile (actually 3), 7.5 mile (actually 8.5) and 12 mile and it really is 12. Everyone starts at the same place going the same direction so there's no searching for just the right trail. It's almost impossible to get lost. You'll go right at the first fork for the shortest route, or stay left, then right at the next fork for the middle ride or stay staight on for the longest. The longer loops merge back into the next shortest (and then the next shortest if on the 12 mile).

OK, now to the ride: hard pack single track with lots of berms, many roots to negotiate, fast (and sometimes long) downhills if you want to let it go or easy cruisers if you want to take it easy, many close proximity trees, lots of switchbacks through those same trees, prairaie sections with golpher holes, creek (usually dry) crossings, a couple whoop-d-doos, several wooden bridges, etc. I think it has it all for the lower to upper intermediate rider. In my opinion all the loops are the same just longer. The 12 mile adds 4 miles to the middle loop but it's much the same for the first 2 miles. The root crossings are a bit more challenging, but with practice quite doable. The next two miles is quite boring and flat. So, don't be afraid to take the 12 if you have the time.

This is a great trail to hone your skills. There are a couple very long downsloping hard pack serpentine sections all in a row (maybe twenty) that you can practice leaning into and, most important, keeping your eyes looking ahead; several off-camber uphill switchbacks; a few non-dangerouse drop steps, some with immediate turns across the roots (although taking a buddy for the first time, he went end-over within the first 100 yards), etc.

My wife is an upper beginner rider who either puts a foot down or walks her bike through several places, particularly root infested and she absolutely loves this ride. I am dissappointed that DORBA has dumbed down some of the root crossing as now my only real challenge on each ride is to make the 8.5 mile quicker and quicker. I'm now just under an hour for the round trip. Now, go ride!

I ride this trail on average twice a week. I consider myself an upper intermediate rider and I really like Cedar Hill. If you're the type of rider that likes to ride vertically up large boulders, jump off the top, this will not be the ride for you. Cedar Hill is made up of three loops: 2.5 mile (actually 3), 7.5 mile (actually 8.5) and 12 mile and it really is 12. Everyone starts at the same place going the same direction so there's no searching for just the right trail. It's almost impossible to get lost. You'll go right at the first fork for the shortest route, or stay left, then right at the next fork for the middle ride or stay staight on for the longest. The longer loops merge back into the next shortest (and then the next shortest if on the 12 mile).

OK, now to the ride: hard pack single track with lots of berms, many roots to negotiate, fast (and sometimes long) downhills if you want to let it go or easy cruisers if you want to take it easy, many close proximity trees, lots of switchbacks through those same trees, prairaie sections with golpher holes, creek (usually dry) crossings, a couple whoop-d-doos, several wooden bridges, etc. I think it has it all for the lower to upper intermediate rider. In my opinion all the loops are the same just longer. The 12 mile adds 4 miles to the middle loop but it's much the same for the first 2 miles. The root crossings are a bit more challenging, but with practice quite doable. The next two miles is quite boring and flat. So, don't be afraid to take the 12 if you have the time.

This is a great trail to hone your skills. There are a couple very long downsloping hard pack serpentine sections all in a row (maybe twenty) that you can practice leaning into and, most important, keeping your eyes looking ahead; several off-camber uphill switchbacks; a few non-dangerouse drop steps, some with immediate turns across the roots (although taking a buddy for the first time, he went end-over within the first 100 yards), etc.

My wife is an upper beginner rider who either puts a foot down or walks her bike through several places, particularly root infested and she absolutely loves this ride. I am dissappointed that DORBA has dumbed down some of the root crossing as now my only real challenge on each ride is to make the 8.5 mile quicker and quicker. I'm now just under an hour for the round trip. Now, go ride!

Great trail(s) for an aerobic workout. There is nothing really technical about the trail(s). I love this trail because you can really work on braking and shifting, lots of roots and rocks to jump and, most importantly, I can take my wife with and she can ride and enjoy as well. If youâ€™re looking for an experience that will give your legs a burn from sustained pedaling Cedar Hill is a great place for you. If youâ€™re looking for technical climbs with massive drops donâ€™t bother. In any event I recommend you at least try it once!

Customer Service

If you're with inexperienced riders I recommend you start with the 3 mile loop. If alone or with other experienced riders start with the 12 mile loop. 16 mile loop (tagged "Expert") will probably not be open this year.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Jeremy Cross Country Rider

[Jan 20, 2009]

Great trail(s) for an aerobic workout. There is nothing really technical about the trail(s). I love this trail because you can really work on braking and shifting, lots of roots and rocks to jump and, most importantly, I can take my wife with and she can ride and enjoy as well. If youâ€™re looking for an experience that will give your legs a burn from sustained pedaling Cedar Hill is a great place for you. If youâ€™re looking for technical climbs with massive drops donâ€™t bother. In any event I recommend you at least try it once!

Customer Service: If you're with inexperienced riders I recommend you start with the 3 mile loop. If alone or with other experienced riders start with the 12 mile loop. 16 mile loop (tagged "Expert") will probably not be open this year.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

b77 Racer [Apr 30, 2008]

This trail is a decent ride when it's open but it seems like it's closed more often than not. There are no particular sections that really stand out - just turn after turn. It's a frustrating ride because there are some decent hills that could be challenging climbs and fun descents but you there are switchbacks up every hill and there are no opportunities to pick up speed going down. It is simply not much fun to ride. The 'expert' loop doesn't really qualify as such - the entire trail is about the same. The one thing this trail has going for it is that it is fairly long, especially with the new 16 mile loop - I don't know of any other trail in the DFW area that gives you ride a continuous 16 mile loop without repeating sections. It's a good place to take beginners because it is very groomed without many rocks - you can take a newbie out and bring them back not bleeding and still ensure they have some fun.

OVERALLRATING

2

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

b77 Racer

[Apr 30, 2008]

This trail is a decent ride when it's open but it seems like it's closed more often than not. There are no particular sections that really stand out - just turn after turn. It's a frustrating ride because there are some decent hills that could be challenging climbs and fun descents but you there are switchbacks up every hill and there are no opportunities to pick up speed going down. It is simply not much fun to ride. The 'expert' loop doesn't really qualify as such - the entire trail is about the same. The one thing this trail has going for it is that it is fairly long, especially with the new 16 mile loop - I don't know of any other trail in the DFW area that gives you ride a continuous 16 mile loop without repeating sections. It's a good place to take beginners because it is very groomed without many rocks - you can take a newbie out and bring them back not bleeding and still ensure they have some fun.

OVERALLRATING

2

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Eltbee Weekend Warrior [Mar 16, 2007]

Twisty and surprisingly flat. Trail has a desert-like feeling in the summer. Cactus are sprinkled along the trail. Dirt is clay-based so if it even sprinkles, you are going to make a mess of your bike.

This used to be THE trail to ride in D/FW. Now there are so many better options. The problem with this trail is that the current trail stewards have taken out or dumbed down nearly all of the climbing. This is supposedly in response to trail erosion due to the trail following the fall line. But it was a total over reaction. The whole time you are riding you are expecting the climbing to begin any moment but it never does. Also, the terrain begs for flow and it used to have it but no longer. It is a crying shame that the highest point in D/FW has this for a trail. More advanced riders have deserted this trail long ago for better options.

Twisty and surprisingly flat. Trail has a desert-like feeling in the summer. Cactus are sprinkled along the trail. Dirt is clay-based so if it even sprinkles, you are going to make a mess of your bike.

This used to be THE trail to ride in D/FW. Now there are so many better options. The problem with this trail is that the current trail stewards have taken out or dumbed down nearly all of the climbing. This is supposedly in response to trail erosion due to the trail following the fall line. But it was a total over reaction. The whole time you are riding you are expecting the climbing to begin any moment but it never does. Also, the terrain begs for flow and it used to have it but no longer. It is a crying shame that the highest point in D/FW has this for a trail. More advanced riders have deserted this trail long ago for better options.

Customer Service: Trail is well-marked and map is posted at the trail head.

This is a great recreational/training trail. It's a pretty smooth trail so it won't beat you up. It doesn't have any climbs or decents worth mentioning. But it does offer some tight and twisty single track. It also has some good straight flat open sections as well. This is a good beginner trail and for me a great trail to train on since it's close to home and doesn't beat me up if I ride it a couple of hours.

Customer Service

There are 3 different loops...4.5, 7.5 and 12 miles. I like the 12 mile loop. I'm looking forward to the opening of the expert loop.

Similar Products Used: Cleburne State Park and Breaks at Bar H

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

2

★★★★★

★★★★★

sgill32 Racer

[Dec 31, 2006]

This is a great recreational/training trail. It's a pretty smooth trail so it won't beat you up. It doesn't have any climbs or decents worth mentioning. But it does offer some tight and twisty single track. It also has some good straight flat open sections as well. This is a good beginner trail and for me a great trail to train on since it's close to home and doesn't beat me up if I ride it a couple of hours.

Customer Service: There are 3 different loops...4.5, 7.5 and 12 miles. I like the 12 mile loop. I'm looking forward to the opening of the expert loop.